Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed deep concern over Rishabh Pant’s injury on Day 1 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, calling it “serious” and warning that if the wicketkeeper-batter doesn’t return to bat, India could be “staring down the barrel.”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Pant, who was batting fluently on 37 off 48 balls, had to retire hurt after under-edging a Chris Woakes yorker onto his right foot while attempting an audacious reverse sweep. He was in visible pain, and the swelling and bleeding on his foot led to him being taken off the field in a golf cart.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “Rishabh Pant, big one. When he was batting, he had scored 37 runs off just 48 balls. Until he keeps playing, he changes the course of the game. However, he then tried to play an unconventional shot. The ball hit his foot. There was blood and a swelling as well. When you go out in a golf cart, you start thinking that it’s serious.”
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With no official update from the BCCI apart from confirmation that scans were being done, Chopra said the lack of information was telling. “Maybe they are keeping their cards close to their chest, but the way he got injured, it seems difficult that he would be able to come to bat. I just hope it’s not a broken bone.”Chopra added that Pant’s absence, especially with the second new ball due, could derail India’s chances. “I really hope that he comes because the new ball is due. Shardul Thakur is there with Ravindra Jadeja. The ball is going to do a little bit. The weather will play a role.”
India ended the day at 264/4, and Chopra warned that failing to reach 400-450 could leave them vulnerable. “If Rishabh doesn’t come, things will change a lot. If we don’t reach 400-450, we will be staring down the barrel.”
